Former Japan striker Kazuyoshi Miura, the oldest professional soccer player in the world, broke his own J-League longevity record when he earned playing time in a second-division match Saturday at 52 years and 25 days old.

Miura, who signed a new contract with Yokohama FC in January, one month before he turned 52, achieved the feat in a match against FC Gifu at Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium, making his first start in nearly two years in the J-League.

(Miura participates as a starting member at the age of 52 and 25 days on March 23, 2019 in Yokohama.)[Getty/Kyodo]

Last season, the 33rd of his career, he played in nine J2 matches, all as a substitute. The last time he played in a league match was on Nov. 4.

Miura started his career in Brazil with Santos at the age of 19 and was MVP of the inaugural J-League season in 1993. He made his professional debut in Japan in 1990 and helped the national team secure their first ever World Cup appearance in 1998 before being controversially left out of the squad for the tournament.

He retired from international soccer in 2000 having scored 55 goals in 91 appearances.

His lengthy career has also seen him play in Italy, Croatia and Australia. He joined Yokohama FC in 2005.

Miura also holds the record as the oldest professional soccer player to score a competitive goal, taking the record from former England international Stanley Matthews in 2017.